I've never had a problem with feeding in separate tubs, never been bitten by my snakes, and Lucie seems to know when its feeding time BECAUSE I put her in the feed tub. she must be able to smell the scent differences and has associated it with food. luckily Lucie is a pig and has only refused a rat that wasnt warm enough, i warmed it up right after and then she took it. she even ate on her first day in her new home after a car ride and everything.

this lil newcomer seems to be hungry enough, she took her live mouse on the same day i adopted her, after i drove her home, and then offered it to her before even putting her in her new home.
Apparently my snakes dont get as stressed as everyone elses? none of my snakes ever went off feed, even in colder months (which in key west is like, 65 degrees F)
ive never had to cast away a rat or mouse that wasnt wanted. lucky me lol